Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical company behind the blockbuster drug Ozempic, is making its weight-loss medication, Wegovy, more affordable for uninsured patients. The company announced today that it is expanding its savings program, offering Wegovy for $499 per month at all local pharmacies in the U.S.—a more than 60% discount from its original list price of $1,349.02. Previously, this reduced price was only available through Novo Nordisk’s direct-to-consumer service, NovoCare Pharmacy.
Broader Access to Affordable Weight-Loss Treatment
“With the evolution of our Wegovy savings program, we continue to deliver options that empower people living with obesity to more easily pursue their weight management and health goals,” said Dave Moore, executive vice president of U.S. operations at Novo Nordisk.
This expanded pricing initiative is particularly beneficial for those without insurance coverage for obesity medications. Under the new program, patients paying out of pocket can obtain a 28-day supply of Wegovy for $499 at their local pharmacy, a reduction from the previous discounted price of $650 per month. Meanwhile, patients with commercial insurance that covers Wegovy may pay as little as $0 per month, with savings of up to $225 per 28-day supply. However, these discounts do not extend to individuals on government-funded healthcare programs.
Competition in the Weight-Loss Drug Market
Novo Nordisk’s move follows a similar pricing strategy by rival pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, which last year launched a direct-to-consumer discount program for its weight-loss drug, Zepbound. Initially, Zepbound’s lowest doses were offered at $399 per month but required patients to use traditional syringes instead of the more convenient auto-injector pens. Eli Lilly has since expanded its program to include all dose sizes and integrated it into telehealth platforms such as Ro and, more recently, Costco-partnered Sesame.
FDA Crackdown on Off-Brand Semaglutide
Novo Nordisk’s announcement coincides with the FDA’s recent decision to remove semaglutide—the active ingredient in Wegovy and Zepbound—from its drug shortage list. This change puts pressure on compounding pharmacies that have been selling off-brand versions of the drug amid past shortages.
The FDA has now set deadlines for these providers to halt production and distribution of compounded semaglutide. State-licensed pharmacies and physicians, known as 503A compounders, must stop by April 22, while larger outsourcing facilities, known as 503B compounders, have until May 22.
In its statement, Novo Nordisk emphasized that the updated savings program is intended to help patients avoid the risks associated with compounded semaglutide products, which may not meet the same quality and safety standards as FDA-approved medications.
With demand for GLP-1 medications continuing to surge, Novo Nordisk’s latest pricing adjustments could significantly impact accessibility and affordability for millions of Americans seeking weight-loss treatment.
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